File SAF-98 · National rank 1079 · 2027 class
Nikai Martinez
5'11"Height
196 lbWeight
Representation
BTM Group (Black Tie Management Group)
Confirmed
BTM Group (Black Tie Management Group)
Confirmed
My Grade
5.6/10
Priority UDFA
Current · UDFA Territory
4.9 Floor
range 1.0
Ceiling 5.9
5.9/10
Priority UDFA
Ceiling · +0.3
4.9/10
UDFA
Floor · −0.7
Ceiling: Projected 2026 starter (DB1) — real opportunity to climb; close to ceiling (+0.3).
Floor: Proven starter — high, stable floor · returning-starter role secures it; downside −0.7.
Grade not yet reviewed
8.9+
Round 1 Caliber
7.8+
Day 2 Caliber
6.7+
Day 3 Caliber
5.6+
Priority UDFA
4.4+
UDFA
3.3+
Long Shot
2.2+
Raw Prospect
1.1+
Deep Project
0.0+
Non-Prospect
Grade History
5.6
2025
Re-graded after each season · 2025 is the beta baseline.
Scouting Notes
The best returning defensive back — a former top-360 recruit and UCF transfer with multi-year starting production (57 tackles/3 INT at UCF, then 51 and steady seasons at MSU). Proven, rangy, and around the ball; a real durability flag (limited to four games in 2025 with a recurring injury before a medical redshirt) tempers the floor, but he returns for 2026 and the grade reflects translatable Big Ten production with the band open on 2027 safety interest.
Draft Projection & Mocks
Scouting Reports & Mentions
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Sports Illustrated Sep 17, 2025Spartan Safety Nikai Martinez Updates on His Health - Sports Illustrated
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Sports Illustrated Apr 28, 2025MSU Needs Nikai Martinez to be Consistent Again - Sports Illustrated